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Cocerhan, I and Bradley, J (2019) Investigation into How Technology Can Overcome Language Barriers Experienced by Construction Workers from Eastern Europe on Sites in London. In: Gorse, C and Neilson, C J (Eds.), Proceedings 35th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2019, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 537-545.

  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Keywords: Health and Safety, Wellbeing, Training, Communication
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/ef1af6bbbb7553374f6217fd8197ae98.pdf
  • Abstract:

    The Health and Safety Executive has shown that non-English speaking workers are more likely to suffer from workplace accidents, including fatalities, in their first day on-site, when compared to English speaking workers. Recently, the number of Romanian general operatives working on construction sites in London has increased. This, therefore, has a direct impact on effective communication, particularly on-site induction training.

    Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the impact of such language barriers and propose solutions, in the context of Romanian general operatives. A qualitative approach is adopted, using 20 number of participants, interviewed using a semi-structured approach, with the results, coded and themed. The findings indicate that the participants had difficulty in the comprehension of site induction training. The level of understanding at induction was low, leading the workers to perform at a sub-optimal level in terms of both their productivity and awareness of their own and other’s health and safety. On further probing, respondents note that they would not ask questions or make their concerns known, because of fear of losing their job, the embarrassment of not understanding, ignorance of the consequences, or a high level of dependency on the translator in the group.

    Recommendations include using smart phones to communicate through an application based on Google™ translate, to improve comprehension. This reduced Romanian workers’ dependence on the group translator and facilitated more independent participation and awareness. Additionally, enhanced presentation structure and materials used in the induction training is encouraged, to facilitate the use of the translation technology and maximise the positive impact of the induction training.

    Where such recommendations are acknowledged and applied, it has the potential to reduce the increased risks associated, not just to Romanian workers, but all non-English speaking participants; thus, reducing the on-site risks associated with this cohort.